MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Patterson
In recognition of the impact of conflict and the severe on-going drought on
the people of the Horn of Africa, Australia will provide a further $2 million
for humanitarian assistance in the region, the Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Kay Patterson said today.
It is estimated 16 million people in the Horn of Africa are facing severe food
and water shortages.
The Australian Government deplores the recent escalation in armed conflict
between Ethiopia and Eritrea, supports the UN embargo on the supply of arms
to both countries, and calls on them to settle their differences at the negotiating
table.
The Government continues to support the very substantial mediation efforts
of the international community particularly the Organisation for African Unity.
The Australian Government support will help the World Food Programme and Australian
overseas aid agencies provide emergency food and water, including high-energy
biscuits, vegetable oil, wheat and sorghum. Water tankers, storage facilities
and the rehabilitation of boreholes, will help bring safe water to rural communities.
Australia's contribution will also help provide urgently needed health care,
such as basic medicines and measles vaccinations for children, Senator Patterson
said. Millions of people in the region are dependent on livestock. Our support
will help provide feed and vaccination for animals, as well as seeds for drought-affected
farmers.
The Government's aid will be channelled through two Australian overseas aid
agencies, Community Aid Abroad and CARE Australia, who have extensive experience
in the region. $500,000 will be provided to the World Food Programme, further
to the $1.5 million for food aid which Australia provided in April.
Media contact:
Louise Ahern (Parliamentary Secretary's office): 6277 3800/0409 034 403
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489